July 23, 2001

                  Bad planning

                  EDITOR: I applaud the Lytton Pomos efforts to form a cultural enclave
                  within the mainstream community.

                  However, the Lytton Pomos' proposed development of the 50 oak-studded
                  acres on Windsor River Road is just bad planning. Being a good neighbor
                  does not include suburban-style sprawl in a rural area zoned for one house
                  per five acres of agricultural development, particularly when there is no
                  infrastructure in place or planned to accommodate this much urbanization.

                  A development of 50 to possibly 96 homes, a cultural center and an
                  administration building needs to be in an urban setting serviced by public
                  transportation and an existing infrastructure. Why not set an example of
                  good urban development and place their project in an urban setting that can
                  accommodate the live/work lifestyle they wish to pursue?

                  This 50-acre oak woodland would seem to be more appropriate to
                  acquisition by the Sonoma County Open Space District for the preservation
                  of habitat and enjoyment of all.

                  The casino-rich Lytton Pomo need to find an alternative site within an area
                  zoned for this type of development in order to be good neighbors and
                  stewards of the land.

                  HOLLY JORDAN

                  Healdsburg